Short answer: A calm, ground-dwelling gecko from dry grassland and scrub, active at dawn and dusk. One adult needs at least a 36 × 18 × 18 inch enclosure, a 90–95°F basking spot, a 72–77°F cool side, 30–40% humidity with a humid hide, and live insects every 4–7 days once grown.
Every number below links to the care source it came from. No AI-written care advice.
Already have a setup? Check it against these numbers.Setup checker →Setup at a glance
| Enclosure (adult minimum) | 36 × 18 × 18 in. Young geckos are often kept in smaller tubs at first; buying the adult size once saves a second purchase. [source] |
|---|---|
| Basking spot | 90–95°F [source] |
| Cool end | 72–77°F [source] |
| Night | 60–70°F [source] |
| Humidity | 30–40%. A humid hide at 70–80% [source] |
| UVB (recommended) | Low-output linear UVB: T5 5.0 or 6%, or a shade-dweller bulb, over part of the enclosure. [source] |
| Heat | A halogen bulb or deep heat projector over the basking spot, on a dimmer or thermostat. No heat rocks. [source] |
| Substrate | Paper towel or tile to start; a soil, sand and clay mix for a naturalistic setup. Avoid: Calcium sand, walnut shell, gravel, reptile carpet, cedar or pine. [source] |
| Adult size · lifespan | 7–10 in · 15–20+ years |
What to feed, and how often
Crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, silkworms; waxworms and hornworms only as treats. [source]
| Juvenile | As many gut-loaded insects as it eats in about 10–15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Young adult | About 2 insects per inch of body length |
| Adult (tail thicker than neck) | About 2 insects per inch of body length |
Supplements: With UVB: calcium without D3 at most feedings, calcium with D3 once or twice a month. Without UVB: calcium with D3 at every feeding. Juveniles: calcium with D3 at every feeding.
Shedding: Juveniles shed every 1–2 weeks, adults every 1–2 months. [source]
When is the next meal due?Feeding schedule →Is this normal?
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Sources
General husbandry information, not veterinary advice. If your animal is losing weight or seems unwell, see a reptile vet (find one through ARAV). Updated November 9, 2026.